A Simple Question

Q: Who do you know who would postpone a brake job because the weather report predicted rain on Monday and Tuesday (which never arrived) but none for Wednesday, only to be screwed over by Mother Nature and get completely drenched on his ride from work to pick up his car?

I was slightly more than furious as I pedaled madly in the rain, hoping the entire time that no lighting (there was some) would strike me dead. No need for sunglasses. No need for an iPod to motivate me to ride. I pushed and gambled with each downhill and turn. I will say that it’s a damn good thing that I chose to ride my mountain bike yesterday, for the road bike’s tires would not have handled the rainy conditions nearly as well.

A Lot Of Low-Key Living Recently
My lack of activities lately have created a rather boring blog. I’m sorry.

The Jackmobile is ready for a trip. Unfortunately, I don’t have the time scheduled to go anywhere. As I mentioned the other day I really want to make a long, solo car trip. I’d bring a bike, my camera gear, and my iPad Mobile Office (and probably a laptop) taking in the best sites that this country (and probably Canada) have to offer.

I have ideas… I guess Blondie (the musical group, not the dancer at the Clairmont Lounge) said it best — “Dreamin’ is free.”

ITP Flickr Pic
Even if I did want to take photos of my ride home I couldn’t have. Check this space starting Tuesday, yes I shan’t be writing a blog on Monday, for new content.

Tonight I’ll Be Holding Steady
When I saw the Hold Steady in Athens last year I assumed that it would be the last time I saw them perform for some time. Although I enjoyed the show thoroughly I assumed that they wouldn’t be touring again soon, and that I’d “Been there. Done that. Got the t-shirt.” (Dangen! I meant to wear my Hold Stead t-shirt today!)

However, the Hold Steady lineup has changed with the departure of mustachioed keyboardist Franz Nicolay. I’ve decided to give the new (and improved?) Hold Steady a listen tonight at the Variety Playhouse.

Before tonight’s show I’ll be loitering and drinking beer at The Porter Beer Bar with my friend Mike. So, if you run into me there please feel free to say hello.

Virtual Friday
Unlike many I don’t feel compelled to rub people’s noses with a “I on vacation, bitches!” tweet on Twitter. That’s this blog’s function! 😉

Tomorrow will also be Day 1 of my six-day long self-imposed “Improve Thyself” sequestering, during which I will also be forcing myself to work on iPhone/iPad development and making some Life Decisions.

It looks like I’ve picked the best time to not want to do any outdoor activities. The weather forecast for the five days starting tomorrow calls for rain. Knowing my luck not a single drop will reach the ground but the skies will remain shitty gray and eliminate the possibility of any outdoor photography.

Stats & GoalsDailyCurrent Mood – meh, though happy I made it into the office by 6:15am to make up for yesterday’s short day; even happier that I won’t have to go to the office tomorrow.Current Music – silenceWebsite Of The Day – Anyone ever been to the Okefenokee Swamp?.Mode Of Transportation To Work – my carExercise (b)Log – biking, ~12 milesMorning Weigh-In – 201 poundsPages Of1001 Paintings You Must See Before You DieRead – 77

May Goals
– Not to get sick for the entire month
– Not get fired from my job
– Ride my bicycle no fewer than 100 miles
– Get the Sharpened Stone, LLC moving further

2010 Goals
– Reduce my weight to 185 pounds (starting weight was 198 pounds)
– Completely read the book 1001 Paintings You Must See Before You Die
– Earn at least $150 through photography sales in order to cover the cost for the renewal of the Jalapeño Beach SmugMug account.
– Save $500 for the sole purpose of donating to charitable organizations of my choice
– Attend at least one professional photography workshop
– Enter no fewer than three photographic competitions / gallery showings
– Get the Black Sheep stats out of Excel and online
– Ride in no fewer than two 50 mile or 50K bike rides
– Complete my Taco Mac Passport requirement of 125 beers

The Unmeasurable
– Continue backing up all data, including the off-site storage
– Become a proficient programmer in PHP and CSS Objective-C
– Do not create a solution for something which is not a problem

That is crazy that it rained yesterday afternoon, but it means my tomatoes (& weeds) will keep growing without me having to water!

I’m sort of bummed we won’t be doing BRAG this year, but I guess 9 days in Utah made up for it 😉

Paulie – after being at Zion & Bryce, I almost felt like I was out of place since I wasn’t hiking with a big camera (& some with tripods). You would totally fit in there, and would have so many pics to choose from. I swear Kat & John took 1000 pictures, that may be an exaggeration, but they took lots of pictures.

do you get a lunch break from your workshop? Tasty China? (or, an early dinner?) Allan’s working friday, so I’m on my own.

I have yet to go to the Okefenokee, and I’ve always wanted to. Managed to make it to the Everglades a few times, but not to the swamp in my own backyard. Huh.

Say, if you and the Jackmobile ever want to take a short weekend trip for some filming down there, I’d be game for making a plan! Of course, we ARE getting into the whole “holy crap it’s hot down here in the South, why the hell am I also going to a *swamp?!* season”…. but something to keep in mind!

Paulie’s right, I did only offer to drive him if he was sick, to hell with him getting struck by lightening, not my problem 😉

It sort of looks like a weekend of scattered rain…which doesn’t really tell you anything. I heard it was pouring around perimeter but there was nothing here at Chamblee or on the east side of 285. I thought for sure it would rain at the house, since I took the time to water the gardend and my potted plants yesterday.

Don’t forget about the cookout on Sunday everyone, with any luck the rain will hold off. (if somehow you’ve missed this news, let me know and I’ll get you the details.)